Been meaning to ask this. I've been here for 11 years and The median home value here is around $169,900, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $839 for rent here. Rent is about $839/month for a decent place. Median household income is $42,333, which feels on the lower side for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
0 upvotes
10 Replies
Hannah
seconding this
37 upvotes
Jack K.
I work in government here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
sdchef2020
I've lived in West for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Axel C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Zoe Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Aubrey
seconding this
10 upvotes
Evelyn T.
bump
8 upvotes
Eleanor Gonzalez
Moved here from Seattle about 2 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Aubrey Jackson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
